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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:#1F497D'>Attention Blind and Low Vision Students!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:#1F497D'>There are only about 2 weeks left to submit an application for our National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut academic scholarships! The deadline is September 1. One of the items you’ll need to arrange is an interview with our affiliate president, Maryanne Melley or her designee; please contact her or our outreach office at (860) 289-1971 to get this scheduled while you finalize your application. </span><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>The application has been provided in the body of this email and attached as a word document as well. </span><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:#1F497D'>If you have any questions about applying, please just reach out on this listserve or to Maryanne, our outreach office, or me directly:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><a href="mailto:ntwales@omsoft.com">ntwales@omsoft.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'>Please don’t delay any longer applying!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>2026 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut (NFB of CT) is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for all blind persons. In the furtherance of this goal, we have established our scholarship program. Recipients of NFB of CT scholarships need not be members of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut. NFB of CT scholarships are judged on the basis of academic quality and service to the community.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>C. Rodney Demarest Memorial Scholarship</span></u></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>, in the amount of $3000, is given in loving memory by his family and friends. Blind since 18, he ran his own business for many years, read NFB-Newsline® faithfully, was always well-informed and was admired by his many friends.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:red'> </span><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Zukowski Family Foundation Scholarship, </span></u></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>in the amount of $2500. The Zukowski Family Foundation is honored to provide a scholarship for a Connecticut blind student.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> <u>Doris Higley Memorial Scholarship</u></span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>, in the amount of $2000, is given in loving memory of a friend of Mrs. Higley. </span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Because we recognize that employment, family caregiving, and ongoing medical care, concurrent with post-secondary enrollment, can contribute to a need for students to carry a part-time course load, t<span style='background:white'>his scholarship may be awarded to an applicant enrolled part-time who meets all other eligibility requirements.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black;background:white'>Additional scholarships may be awarded as funds and opportunity are available.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Eligibility</span></u></i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>All applicants must be (a) legally blind, and (b) a Connecticut resident or attending school in-person in Connecticut.</span><o:p></o:p></p><h2 align=center style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Deadline – Notification</span></u></i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Completed applications must be submitted by <b>September 1, 2026.</b> The scholarship committee will review all applications and notify finalists around September 30. The scholarships will be presented at the banquet of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut State Convention. <b><u>ANY FINALISTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND OUR STATE CONVENTION AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN IN GLASTONBURY ON THE WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 6, 7 & 8, 2026 INCLUDING ANY CT ASSOCIATION OF BLIND STUDENTS’ ACTIVITIES.</u></b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><b><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>2026 APPLICATION FORM</span></u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Please print or type clearly</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black;font-weight:normal'>Applicant’s Name________________________________________________________</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Permanent Address______________________________________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>_________________________________Telephone_____________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black;font-weight:normal'>Current Address (if different from above) _____________________________________</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>_________________________________Telephone_____________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>E-mail address __________________________________________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Are you currently enrolled full-time ____ or part-time ____?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>College/University Name & City_____________________________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Year of Study in 2026-27 _________________________________________________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>List Institutions Previously Attended (High School and/or College)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div style='border-top:solid windowtext 1.5pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt;border-right:none;padding:1.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><span style='font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Attach the following documents</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Applicant’s Letter</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>: Describe your career goals and how our scholarship might help you in achieving them. Give us a brief biographical sketch – tell us about your academic interests, your extracurricular activities, awards/honors you may have received and any community service you have been involved in. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Two Letters of Recommendation</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>: From teachers, professors, employers, or other professionals who know you well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Certification of Legal Blindness, </span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>or letter from a treating physician confirming legal blindness<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Official Academic Transcripts:</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> Post-secondary students should obtain transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. You need not wait until spring term transcripts are available to apply now; you may submit spring term transcripts separately when available, and we will contact you if they remain missing and are needed closer to the application deadlined.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>State Officer’s Letter</span></b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>: A letter from a state officer of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut confirming that you have discussed your application with her or him. Call our state office for help on this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:6.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Applicant’s Signature_______________________________Date____________</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>Mail or email your completed application and/or address any questions to:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>111 Sheldon Road, Unit 420, Manchester, CT 06045</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'>(860) 289-1971</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><a href="http://www.nfbct.org">www.nfbct.org</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=elementtoproof align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><a href="mailto:Info@nfbct.org">Info@nfbct.org</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><div id=Signature><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>Have a great day, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>Christina Thompson <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>Outreach Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>National Federation of the Blind CT<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>111 Sheldon Rd. Unit 420<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>Manchester, CT 06045<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'>(860)289-1971<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'><a href="mailto:cthompson@nfbct.org">cthompson@nfbct.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:Aptos;color:black'><img border=0 width=282 height=118 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:812e3ade-7570-43e3-9fc1-7e64ee1a3979"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></body></html>